Chester, NJ - Boy Scout Troop 139 recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of chartering and continuous service to the Scouts and community in the Chester Borough and Chester Township, NJ area. A Troop of 50 years has much to celebrate and with such a long legacy, it seemed appropriate to commemorate the event by inviting all past Scoutmasters, Troop Leaders and Eagle Scouts. A perfect fall day was in store for the outdoor event that began with a formal opening, flag ceremony, and encouraging words from local leaders. Both of the Chester Mayors presented proclamations passed by their respective town councils confirming and memorializing the Troop's great value to young men, the community, and the value of the Boy Scout program itself. NJ Senator Anthony Bucco attended along with his son, NJ Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, who presented the Troop with a resolution honoring the Troop that was passed by the NJ Assembly. This resolution also holds the fairly rare honor of being passed unanimously by the Assembly, not a very common occurrence.
In attendance at the anniversary event were many past Scoutmasters, Troop Leaders, and 14 of the total 65 Eagles Scouts who earned their rank at Troop 139. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest rank awarded by Boy Scouts of America. Many leaders and prior Scouts who could not attend sent letters and emails congratulating the Troop and told of their positive experiences. Of the nearly 180 attendees, over 60 of the Troop's 70 current Scouts and parents were in attendance. In addition, current leaders, merit badge counselors, adult leaders, and leaders of the Troop's Chartering Church, Community Presbyterian of Chester, were on hand.
Just prior to ending the formal ceremony, the Pastor of Community Presbyterian Church, Pastor Chris Scrivens was presented with a framed copy of the original 1963 Troop Charter by Scoutmaster Steve Davis. Pastor Scrivens said grace and the food and festivities were under way. In addition to a great BBQ meal, there were many activities for the attendees of the celebration including an inflatable obstacle course, dunk tank - featuring "Dunk our former Scoutmaster," and a ping pong tournament. A commemorative 50th Anniversary patch, designed by Boy Scout Nickolas Constantino, was given to each attendee of the event as a keepsake.
In addition to a great afternoon, the celebration marks several milestones for the Troop. The main accomplishment is the 100's of young men who have participated as Boys Scouts in the Troop during the Troop's past 50 years. Scouting is a very foundational program for young men that includes building skills, leadership experience, character development, and certainly embarking on new adventures. Scouting is well rooted in outdoor adventure and also holds service to community as a main priority. In addition the 50 years also marks the strength and success of the Troop that have been facilitated by the dozens of dedicated adult leaders of the Troop. While much of the Troop's activities are decided upon by the Scouts themselves and are Scout lead and run, considerable work and encouragement is required by the adult leaders, the chartering organization, the parents, and the merit badge counselors to support the Troop. The Troop owes a great deal of gratitude to all those who have supported it, both past and present. The support the Troop has received has allowed it to thrive over its many years of service, and its strength and success are proof of that.
While a 50th anniversary is a great accomplishment, Troop 139 is already focused on its next goal, a 75th anniversary celebration!
